Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer clash over what happened in West Ham United v Newcastle
Gary Lineker disagreed with Alan Shearer that Newcastle United were right to be awarded a second penalty against West Ham on Saturday (30 March).
Speaking on Match of the Day 2 on Sunday (31 March), Lineker said a couple of decisions went the Magpies’ way, with Shearer claiming that he’s “not allowed to say that” because he gets accused of being biased.
The pundit then added that he thought it was a penalty for a foul by Kalvin Phillips for a foul on Anthony Gordon, but the presenter responded by saying “I’m not so sure” as that moment proved to be the turning point in Eddie Howe’s side’s 4-3 victory.
“I think a couple of decisions went your way,” said Lineker.
“Well, I’m not allowed to say that,” replied Shearer.
“You’re not allowed?” asked Lineker.
“Get accused of being biased, Gary,” added Shearer.
“Well, you are,” replied Lineker.
“I thought it was a definite penalty,” responded Shearer.
“I’m not so sure,” said Lineker.
Alan Shearer biased in Newcastle and West Ham debate
This is never going to be a situation where Shearer is going to come out and say that Newcastle were wrong to be awarded a penalty due to his bias towards his hometown club.
The fact that many neutrals, including Lineker, have said it wasn’t a foul by Phillips shows that the officials didn’t get it right.
While it was a poor decision to bring Michail Antonio off for the midfielder, it was that incident that allowed the Magpies back into the game.
The fact of the matter is, though, that we simply had to deal with matters much better from that point onwards as the defending simply wasn’t good enough.
David Moyes is going to have to quickly pick his players up after what was an incredibly disappointing result ahead of the London derby against Tottenham on Tuesday (2 April).
